I found this thing, and I can't figure out what it is used for.

It is a very large black rubber band, printed "MSR Mountain Safety Research."

Its total length is about 14 inches, and its width is about 7/10ths of one inch.

--B.G.--

I know! It is used to wrap around the MSR titan kettle to hold the lid on during transport.

Edit: I am often wrong.

Edited by Steve_Evans on 04/30/2012 20:14:10 MDT.

I got one with my snowshoes. It holds them together.

+1

Snowshoes. Two came with mine but did not inspect closely to see is there was any imprinting.

Aren't they supposed to be used for wrapping around your fingers, stretching, and shooting at moose in rut? :^)

"I got one with my snowshoes. It holds them together."

I would think that would make the snowshoes difficult to walk on.

Now I will have to develop a totally new piece of gear so that I have something to use the rubber band on.

--B.G.--

UL thong.

It came with my MSR snowshoes but as Steven Evans pointed out its PERFECT for holding together pots and stove kits. I put my pocket rocket (wrapped in one of those microlight towels to protect the stove and also to use as a oven mitt) along with a mini bic lighter inside my 700ml pot and rubber band it all together.

From a survival standpoint, there are many, many uses for a rubber band of this size. It would actually make a decent slingshot, could be used to lash all sorts of stuff in a pinch, a tournquet in worst case scenarios, etc.

Edited by gregpphoto on 04/30/2012 22:17:23 MDT.

I have two of these rubber bands from multiple pairs of snowshoes (they are shipped with the rubber band to keep the pair together). My favorite use is in making a pillow: I carry a thermarest light seat and lightly inflated, folded, and with the MSR rubber bands holding it I have a wonderful pillow. There have to be many more uses.

"I carry a thermarest light seat and lightly inflated, folded, and with the MSR rubber bands holding it I have a wonderful pillow."

Couldn't I use two ordinary rubber bands for that?

Nevermind. I don't use a Thermarest.

--B.G.--